About Peace Lutheran Church
Peace Lutheran Church is a welcoming congregation rooted in faith, community, and service in Burlington, ND. As part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we believe God’s grace is for everyone and that we live out faith together in everyday life.
We are a church family of all ages, and we currently have many young families. We gather for worship, grow through learning, and serve our neighbors in meaningful ways. From Sunday worship and church school to community outreach like the Burlington Community Food Pantry, we seek to share Christ’s love both within our congregation and beyond.
Our Mission: Being God's presence through worship, education, outreach, and fellowship.
Read on to learn about our Staff and our History.
We are a church family of all ages, and we currently have many young families. We gather for worship, grow through learning, and serve our neighbors in meaningful ways. From Sunday worship and church school to community outreach like the Burlington Community Food Pantry, we seek to share Christ’s love both within our congregation and beyond.
Our Mission: Being God's presence through worship, education, outreach, and fellowship.
Read on to learn about our Staff and our History.
Church Staff
Pastor Kim Gifford Pastor Kim began serving Peace Lutheran Church in 2021 and is passionate about God's call to each of us to love our neighbors. Learn more about Pastor Kim here.
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Krista PerimeterKrista began serving as Education Coordinator in 2026, working part-time while also attending Minot State University. She works alongside the Education Committee, coordinating our youth programs.
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Peace Lutheran Church History
Peace Lutheran's ministry began February 19, 1979, with thirty families. The first services were held at a small Free Lutheran structure in Burlington in August 1979 with Pastor Orlando Hash serving as the first pastor. After outgrowing our original space, we moved to the elementary school. On April 20, 1980, Peace Lutheran became an officially organized congregation with 44 families. Pastor Tom Sahl was called and began on September 7, 1980, followed later by Pastor Karen Grandahl, who was installed on July 14, 1985.
In September 1981, land was purchased from the Burlington Township cemetery in return for perpetual upkeep. The Fron church, which was closed, was purchased and moved to Burlington. The main church was remodeled and a fellowship hall was added, all done by volunteers. Our first worship service in the remodeled church was November 7, 1982 with 165 people in attendance. Over the years, our congregation has been served by: Pastor Sam Radoman, Pastor Dale Pepelnjak, Pastor Kristen Tvedt, Pastor Norm Paskowsky, Pastor Emily Nesdahl, and currently Pastor Kim Gifford.
The flood of the Des Lacs and Souris Rivers in 2011 caused extensive damage to our basement and building. It was decided to clean the basement and use it for storage while adding an above-ground addition that would house classrooms, a food pantry, a family room, and an updated kitchen. This project would not have been possible without the help of the Mission Builders. Not only did they help with the building of the actual building, they also built our spirits up during a difficult time. They were truly a blessing to Peace Lutheran and the community of Burlington.
In September 1981, land was purchased from the Burlington Township cemetery in return for perpetual upkeep. The Fron church, which was closed, was purchased and moved to Burlington. The main church was remodeled and a fellowship hall was added, all done by volunteers. Our first worship service in the remodeled church was November 7, 1982 with 165 people in attendance. Over the years, our congregation has been served by: Pastor Sam Radoman, Pastor Dale Pepelnjak, Pastor Kristen Tvedt, Pastor Norm Paskowsky, Pastor Emily Nesdahl, and currently Pastor Kim Gifford.
The flood of the Des Lacs and Souris Rivers in 2011 caused extensive damage to our basement and building. It was decided to clean the basement and use it for storage while adding an above-ground addition that would house classrooms, a food pantry, a family room, and an updated kitchen. This project would not have been possible without the help of the Mission Builders. Not only did they help with the building of the actual building, they also built our spirits up during a difficult time. They were truly a blessing to Peace Lutheran and the community of Burlington.